Although I don’t feel this second instalment in the Norman series is in the same league as the first, I do still rate it highly.

I think there’re too many elements in “The Lion of Justice”, which prevents this reader at least from being absorbed by, say, two or three key themes. Perhaps the author would’ve fared better to have focused on William II (aka Rufus) and his term as England’s monarch, rather than covering so wide a scope, as certain plotlines feel rushed or underdeveloped.

One storyline in particular – I won’t say which for fear of spoiling anything for people considering reading this novel – felt anticlimactic. For those who have read it, I’ll just state that I’m referring to Nesta, her cousin, and Henry’s later involvement.

A four-book set rather than three would maybe have served better. Either that or this novel should’ve been extended by 100 pages or so. It’s also hard to get to know the main characters with such a lot of co-stars involved.

In short, I consider this a good read that has not realised its full potential. ( )

I enjoy every Jean Plaidy novel, so I may be biased in my praise. This is not my favorite one, but I would recommend it for the full story of England's history. This covers Henry I's lifetime, as well as the tragic loss of his son at sea. There's a little light romance in his choice of a wife, despite all his other love affairs. Certainly not a romance novel, but some coves depict it to be so. ( )

http://shelfandstuff.blogspot.com/2007/02/norman-trilogy-by-jean-plaidy.html ( )